Washing machine appliance spray hose assembly

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance including a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub is provided. The washing machine appliance additionally includes a spout fluidly connected to a water source, the spout configured to flow water from the water source into one or both of the tub and the drum. Moreover, the washing machine appliance includes a spray hose assembly fluidly connected to the water source, the spray hose assembly including a hose and a handle. The spray hose assembly is configured for selectively providing a flow of water in a desired location and direction to assist a user in, e.g., cleaning out a dispenser cup and/or performing one or more pretreatment activities on articles to be washed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to washing machine appliances,and more particularly to accessories for washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing washfluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other fluid additives.A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamberfor receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washingmachine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and ontoarticles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket and/or anagitation element can rotate at various speeds to, e.g., agitatearticles within the wash chamber, wring wash fluid from articles withinthe wash chamber, etc.

Fluid additives may be provided to the wash fluid via a dispenser cup.For example, a user may pour a predetermined amount of detergent, fabricsoftener, or bleach into the dispenser cup, which may then be providedto the tub, wash basket, or both during operation of the washing machineappliance. However, through continuous use, the dispenser cup may buildup an undesirable amount of residue from one or more of the fluidadditives. The user may be required to remove the dispenser cup,transport the dispenser cup to, e.g., a kitchen sink, and manually washthe dispenser cup in order to remove the undesired residue.

Moreover, in certain situations, the user may have an article to bewashed with one or more stains requiring pretreatment activities beforewashing in the washing machine appliance. Such pretreatment activitiescan include, e.g., wetting the article, scrubbing the article, etc.Accordingly, the user may again be required to transport the article to,e.g., a kitchen sink, in order to perform certain of the pretreatmentactivities on the article.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance including one or more featuresto allow a user to rinse out the dispenser cup at the washing machineappliance would be useful. Further, a washing machine applianceincluding one more features to allow a user to conveniently performcertain pretreatment activities on one or more articles to be washed bythe washing machine appliance would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washingmachine appliance is provided, the washing machine appliance including acabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basket rotatablymounted within the tub. The basket defines a wash chamber for receipt ofarticles for washing. The washing machine appliance also includes aspout fluidly connected to a water source and configured for flowingwater from the water source into one or both of the tub and the drum.The washing machine also additionally includes a spray hose assemblyfluidly connected to the water source and including a hose and a handleattached to the hose. At least a portion of the hose extends outside ofthe cabinet. The spray hose assembly is configured for selectivelyproviding a flow of water in a desired direction and location.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, awashing machine appliance is provided, the washing machine applianceincluding a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basketrotatably mounted within the tub. The basket defines a wash chamber forreceipt of articles for washing. The washing machine appliance alsoincludes a spout fluidly connected to a water source and configured forflowing water from the water source into one or both of the tub and thedrum. The washing machine also additionally includes a spray hoseassembly fluidly connected to the water source and including a hose anda handle attached to the hose. The handle is removably positioned on thecabinet. The spray hose assembly is configured for selectively providinga flow of water in a desired direction and location.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a side, cutaway view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a side, cutaway view of a washing machine appliance inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a side view of a handle of a spray hose assembly inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance 50 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seenin FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50 includes a cabinet 52, thecabinet 52 including a cover 54 and a backsplash 56. Backsplash 56extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58 including a plurality ofinput selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Control panel 58 andinput selectors 60 collectively form a user interface input for operatorselection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, adisplay 61 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or otherpotential items of interest to machine users. A lid 62 is mounted tocover 54 and is rotatable between an open position (not shown)facilitating access to a wash tub 64 (FIG. 2) located within cabinet 52and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an enclosure over tub64.

Lid 62 in the exemplary embodiment depicted includes a transparent panel63, which may be formed of, for example, glass, plastic, or any othersuitable material. The transparency of the panel 63 allows users to seethrough the panel 63, and into the tub 64 when the lid 62 is in theclosed position. In certain embodiments, the panel 63 may itselfgenerally form the lid 62. However, in other embodiments, lid 62 mayinclude the panel 63 and a frame 65 surrounding and encasing the panel63. Additionally, or alternatively, in still other embodiments panel 63may not be transparent.

The washing machine appliance 50 depicted in FIG. 1 defines a verticaldirection V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Thevertical, lateral, and transverse directions V, L, T defined by washingmachine appliance 50 are mutually perpendicular and together define anorthogonal direction system. Moreover, referring still to FIG. 1, theexemplary washing machine appliance 50 depicted extends generally alongthe vertical direction V between a top end 20 and a bottom end 22, alongthe lateral direction L between a first side 24 (see FIG. 2) and asecond side 26, and along the transverse direction T between a frontside 28 and a rear side 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side cutaway view is provided of theexemplary washing machine appliance 50 of FIG. 1. As may be seen in FIG.2, tub 64 is positioned within cabinet 52 and includes a bottom wall 66and a sidewall 68. A wash drum or wash basket 70 is rotatably mountedwithin tub 64. In particular, basket 70 is rotatable about the verticaldirection V. Thus, washing machine appliance 50 is generally referred toas a “vertical axis washing machine appliance.” Basket 70 defines a washchamber 73 for receipt of articles for washing and extends, e.g.,between a bottom portion 80 and a top portion 82 along the verticaldirection V. Additionally, basket 70 includes a plurality of openings orperforations 71 therein to facilitate fluid communication between aninterior of basket 70 and tub 64.

A spout 72 is configured for flowing a liquid into one or both of tub 64and basket 70. In particular, spout 72 may be positioned at or adjacentto top portion 82 of basket 70. Spout 72 may be in fluid communicationwith a water source, or more specifically to a hot water source 76 and acold water source 77, in order to direct liquid (e.g., water) into tub64 and/or onto articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Spout 72 mayfurther include apertures 88 through which water may be sprayed into thetub 64. Apertures 88 may, for example, be tubes extending from the spout72, as illustrated, or alternatively may simply be holes defined in thespout 72. However, in other embodiments, apertures 88 may be any othersuitable openings through which water may be sprayed. Further, spout 72may additionally include other openings, holes, etc. (not shown) throughwhich water may be flowed, i.e., sprayed or poured, into the tub 64and/or basket 70.

Various valves may regulate the flow of fluid through spout 72 via asupply line 81. For example, a hot water valve 74 and a cold water valve75 may be positioned in supply line 81 to flow hot water and cold water,respectively, through the supply line 81 fluidly connecting the dualwater sources 76, 77 to spout 72. It should be appreciated that as usedherein, the term “supply line” is used to refer generally to the one ormore fluid lines, pipes, conduits, etc. provided between water sources76, 77 and spout 72 of washing machine appliance 50.

Referring still to FIG. 2, each valve 74, 75 may be selectively adjustedbetween an open position allowing a flow of fluid therethrough to spout72 and a closed position terminating or obstructing the flow of fluidtherethrough to spout 72. Hot water valve 74 may be in fluidcommunication with hot water source 76, which may be external to thewashing machine appliance 50. Similarly, cold water valve 75 may be influid communication with cold water source 77, which may also beexternal to the washing machine appliance 50. The cold water source 77may, for example, be a commercial water supply, while the hot watersource 76 may be, for example, a water heater appliance. Such watersources 76, 77 may supply water to the appliance 50 through therespective valves 74, 75 and supply line 81.

An additive dispenser, or dispenser cup, 84 may additionally be providedfor directing a fluid additive, such as detergent, bleach, liquid fabricsoftener, etc., into tub 64. For example, dispenser 84 may be in fluidcommunication with spout 72 such that water flowing from supply line 81to spout 72 flows through dispenser 84, mixing with the fluid additiveat a desired time during operation to form a liquid or wash fluid,before being flowed into tub 64. In some embodiments, spout 72 is aseparate downstream component from dispenser 84. In other embodiments,however, spout 72 and dispenser 84 may be integral, with a portion ofdispenser 84 serving as the spout 72. Alternatively still, spout 72 anddispenser 84 may be separate components defining parallel flow pathsfrom supply line 81 into tub 64 and/or basket 70. A pump assembly (notshown) is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flowto drain tub 64.

Various sensors may additionally be included in the washing machineappliance 50. For example, a pressure sensor 90 may be positioned in thetub 64 as illustrated. Any suitable pressure sensor 90, such as anelectronic sensor, a manometer, or another suitable gauge or sensor, maybe utilized. The pressure sensor 90 may generally measure the pressureof water in the tub 64. This pressure can then be utilized to estimatethe height or level of water in the tub 64. Additionally, a suitablespeed sensor (not shown) can be provided to measure rotational speed ofbasket 70. Other suitable sensors, such as temperature sensors, etc.,may additionally be provided in the washing machine appliance 50.

Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is controlled by a processingdevice or controller 92 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1), that isoperatively coupled to the input selectors 60 located on washing machinebacksplash 56 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles andfeatures. Controller 92 may further be operatively coupled to variousother components of appliance 50, such as valves 74, 75, pressure sensor90, and other suitable sensors, etc. In response to user manipulation ofthe input selectors 60, controller 92 may operate the various componentsof washing machine appliance 50 to execute selected machine cycles andfeatures.

Controller 92 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a generalor special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programminginstructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. Thememory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read onlymemory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executesprogramming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separatecomponent from the processor or may be included onboard within theprocessor. Alternatively, controller 92 may be constructed without usinga microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/ordigital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators,comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform controlfunctionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 58 andother components of washing machine appliance 50 may be in communicationwith controller 92 via one or more signal lines or shared communicationbusses.

In an illustrative aspect of the present disclosure, a load of laundryarticles may be loaded into chamber 73 of basket 70 and washingoperation initiated through operator manipulation of control inputselectors 60. Tub 64 may then be filled with water and mixed withdetergent to form a liquid or wash fluid. Valves 74, 75 can be opened toinitiate a flow of water into tub 64 via spout 72, and tub 64 can befilled to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed.Once tub 64 is properly filled with wash fluid, the contents of thebasket 70 are agitated with an agitation element (not shown) or bymovement of the basket 70 for cleaning of articles in basket 70. Forexample, the agitation element and/or basket 70 may be moved back andforth in an oscillatory motion.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 64 isdrained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid totub 64, and depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selectedby a user, the agitation element and/or basket 70 may again provideagitation within basket 70. One or more spin cycles may also be used. Inparticular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/orafter the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articlesbeing washed. During a spin cycle, basket 70 is rotated at relativelyhigh speeds.

It should be appreciated, however, that while described in the contextof a specific embodiment of washing machine appliance 50, using theteachings disclosed herein it will be understood that washing machineappliance 50 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machineappliances having different configurations (such as horizontal-axiswashing machine appliances), different appearances, and/or differentfeatures may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

Referring still to FIG. 2, washing machine appliance 50 further includesa spray hose assembly 100 fluidly connected to the water source andconfigured for selectively providing a flow of water in a desireddirection and location. More particularly, for the embodiment depicted,spray hose assembly 100 is fluidly connected to supply line 81 using athree-way valve 102 positioned outside cabinet 52. Three-way valve 102is depicted as a T-valve attached to supply line 81 downstream of valves74, 75. However, in other exemplary embodiments, any suitable three-wayvalve 102 may be utilized, and further, three-way valve 102 may beattached in any suitable location. For example, in other embodiments,three-way valve 102 may be a Y-valve, and/or may be attached to supplyline 81 upstream of valves 74, 75. In the latter embodiment, washingmachine appliance 50 may further include a two three-way valves, suchthat a first three-way valve is attached to supply line 81 upstream ofhot water valve 74, and a second three-way valve is attached to supplyline 81 upstream of cold water valve 75. By being positioned upstream ofvalves 74, 75, spray hose assembly 100 may provide a flow of waterindependently from a flow of water provided to spout 72 (i.e.,independently of whether or not valves 74, 75 are open or closed).Alternatively, a single three-way valve may be attached to the supplyline 81 upstream of either hot water valve 74 or cold water valve 75.Notably, in such an embodiment, a spray hose assembly 100 may onlyprovide hot water or cold water, respectively

Spray hose assembly 100 includes a hose 104, which for the embodimentdepicted is a flexible hose, and a handle 106. The handle 106 isattached to the hose 104 at a distal end of the hose 104. Handle 106includes an activation member and a nozzle 108. The activation member isconfigured to selectively allow a flow of water through the nozzle 108,and nozzle 108 is configured to direct such flow of water in a desireddirection. For the embodiment depicted, the activation member is atrigger 110 on the handle 106 that operates an internal valve (notshown) to allow a flow of water therethrough.

For the embodiment of FIG. 2, at least a portion of spray hose assembly100 extends outside cabinet 52 and handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100is removably positioned on cabinet 52. More particularly, for theembodiment depicted, handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100 is removablymounted on cabinet 52 at second side 26 of washing machine appliance 50,proximate to top end 20 and rear side 30 of washing machine appliance50. Accordingly, in such an exemplary embodiment, spray hose assembly100 including handle 106 may be conveniently stored away when not inuse.

Handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100 may be removably mounted oncabinet 52 of washing machine appliance 50 in any suitable manner.Although not depicted, washing machine appliance 50 may, for example,include a holster for handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100 or a hookfor handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100. Alternatively, washingmachine appliance 50 may include a hook on cabinet 52 over which hose104 of spray hose assembly 100 may be draped. Alternatively still,handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100 may include a magnetic portionsuch that handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100 may be removably mountedat any desired location on cabinet 52 of washing machine appliance 50.Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the terms “positioned on” and“mounted on” with reference to handle 106 and cabinet 52 are usedgenerally to mean handle 106 is attached to cabinet 52 or positionedadjacent to cabinet 52, and includes embodiments where one or moreintermediate components are positioned between handle 106 and cabinet 52to facilitate the positioning or mounting of handle 106 to cabinet 52.

Hose 104 of spray hose assembly 100 may define any suitable length. Forexample, although spray hose assembly 100 is depicted schematically inFIG. 2 with hose 104 defining a length (i.e., between three-way valve102 and handle 106) approximately equal to a width of cabinet 52 alongtransverse direction T, in other exemplary embodiments, hose 104 mayinstead define a length greater than the width of cabinet 52 along thetransverse direction T. For example, in other embodiments, hose 104 maydefine a length approximately twice as wide, or approximately threetimes as wide, as cabinet 52 along the transverse direction T.

A washing machine appliance 50 including the exemplary spray hoseassembly 100 of FIG. 2 may allow a user to, e.g., conveniently wash outdispenser 84 over tub 64 and basket 70 to remove any unwanted residuefrom wash additives contained therein. Moreover, a washing machineappliance 50 including the exemplary spray hose assembly 100 of FIG. 2may allow a user to, e.g., conveniently perform certain pretreatmentactivities on articles for washing.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a washing machine appliance 50 in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.The exemplary washing machine appliance 50 of FIG. 3 may be configuredin substantially the same manner as the washing machine appliance 50 ofFIG. 2 and, accordingly, the same or similar numbering refers to thesame or similar part.

By contrast with washing machine appliance 50 of FIG. 2, however, thewashing machine appliance 50 of FIG. 3 includes three-way valve 102positioned within cabinet 52 of washing machine appliance 50.Accordingly, at least a portion of hose 104 of spray hose assembly 100may be positioned within cabinet 52 of washing machine appliance 50. Forexample, in the embodiment depicted, cabinet 52 defines an opening 112on top end 20 of washing machine appliance 50 proximate to the rear end30. Additionally, washing machine appliance 50 includes a washer 114positioned on cabinet 52 around opening 112 to provide a close fit withhose 104 and prevent handle 106 from extending through opening 112.Handle 106 of spray hose assembly 100 is depicted resting on washer 114,although in other embodiments, washing machine appliance 50 may notinclude washer 114, and handle 106 may be positioned, e.g., directly oncabinet 52.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 may allow hose 104 of spray hose assembly 100to be slidably positioned in opening 112, such that hose 104 may extendor retract through opening 112, and handle 106 may be removablypositioned on the top end 20 of washing machine appliance 50.

It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments,spray hose assembly 100 may be positioned and/or mounted at any othersuitable location allowing for a user to access spray hose assembly 100when desired. For example, in other embodiments, handle 106 of sprayhose assembly 100 may instead be removably positioned on cabinet 52proximate to front end 28 of washing machine appliance 50. Moreover, instill other embodiments, cabinet 52 of washing machine appliance 50 may,e.g., define a compartment (not shown) housing spray hose assembly 100.In such an embodiment, handle 106 may be removably positioned on cabinet52 within the compartment and cabinet 52 may further include a coverover such compartment, such that spray hose assembly 100 is stored awaywhen not in use.

Further, for the exemplary embodiment depicted, an operator or user ofwashing machine appliance 50 may be required to manually feed hose 104of spray hose assembly 100 through opening 112 in cabinet 52 in order toretract hose 104 of spray hose assembly 100 into cabinet 52. However, inother embodiments, washing machine appliance 50 may further include aretraction member (not shown) configured to assist a user in retractinghose 104 of spray hose assembly 100 into cabinet 52. For example, such aretraction member may bias the hose 104 of spray hose assembly 100 intoa retracted position (as depicted in FIG. 3).

With reference now to FIG. 4, a close up view of a handle 106 of a sprayhose assembly 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure is provided. Handle 106 of FIG. 4 similarly includesan activation member and a nozzle 108. The activation member isconfigured to selectively allow a flow of water through nozzle 108, andfor the embodiment depicted, the activation member is configured as atrigger 110 on handle 106. Trigger 110 may be depressed into or inwardlytowards handle 106 to allow a flow of water through nozzle 108.

Moreover, spray hose assembly 100 of FIG. 4 includes an attachmentmember 116, the attachment member 116 removably attached to handle 106over nozzle 108. More particularly, for the embodiment of FIG. 4, theattachment member 116 is a brush attachment removably attached to handle106 over nozzle 108. The attachment member 116 may be removably attachedto handle 106 in any suitable manner. For example, attachment member 116may utilize a rotationally and axially engaging attachment mechanism,such as with corresponding threaded components, or alternatively may usea suitable quick-release attachment configuration. Spray hose assembly100 including the brush attachment removably attached to handle 106 overnozzle 108 may assist a user in, e.g., one or more pretreatmentactivities of articles for washing including undesired stains or marks.

It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, any othersuitable attachment member 116 may be provided. For example, in otherembodiments, attachment member 116 may be a spray tip, such as a flatspray tip, a concentrated flow spray tip, or shower-type spray tip.Moreover, in still other embodiments, the attachment member 116 mayinclude a plurality of spray tips selectively accessible by, e.g.,rotating a portion of such attachment member 116. Further, althoughhandle 106 defines a generally bent shape in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4, in other exemplary embodiments, handle 106 may instead defineany other suitable shape, such as a linear shape.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance comprising: acabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet; a basket rotatably mountedwithin the tub, the basket defining a wash chamber for receipt ofarticles for washing; a spout fluidly connected to a water source andconfigured for flowing water from the water source into one or both ofthe tub and the drum; and a spray hose assembly fluidly connected to thewater source and including a hose and a handle attached to the hose, atleast a portion of the hose extending outside of the cabinet, the sprayhose assembly configured for selectively providing a flow of water in adesired direction and location.
 2. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the handle of the spray hose assembly is removablymounted to the cabinet.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,wherein the handle of the spray hose assembly is removably mounted tothe cabinet at a side portion of the washing machine appliance.
 4. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the handle includes anozzle, and wherein the spray hose assembly further includes anattachment member removably attached to the handle over the nozzle. 5.The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the attachment memberis a brush attachment.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,wherein the hose of the spray hose assembly is a flexible hose.
 7. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising a supply linefluidly connecting the water source to the spout, wherein the spray hoseassembly is fluidly connected to the supply line using a three-wayvalve.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 7, wherein thethree-way valve is positioned outside the cabinet.
 9. The washingmachine appliance of claim 7, wherein the three-way valve is positionedwithin the cabinet.
 10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,wherein cabinet defines an opening and wherein at least a portion of thespray hose assembly retractably extends through the opening.
 11. Awashing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet; a tub positioned withinthe cabinet; a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basketdefining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing; a spoutfluidly connected to a water source and configured for flowing waterfrom the water source into one or both of the tub and the drum; and aspray hose assembly fluidly connected to the water source and includinga hose and a handle attached to the hose, the handle removablypositioned on the cabinet, the spray hose assembly configured forselectively providing a flow of water in a desired direction andlocation.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein thehandle includes an activation member and a nozzle, the activation memberconfigured to selectively allow a flow of water through the nozzle. 13.The washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the spray hoseassembly further includes an attachment member removably attached to thehandle over the nozzle.
 14. The washing machine appliance of claim 13,wherein the attachment member is a brush attachment.
 15. The washingmachine appliance of claim 11, wherein the handle of the spray hoseassembly is removably mounted to the cabinet at a side portion of thewashing machine appliance.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim11, wherein the handle of the spray hose assembly is removablypositioned on the cabinet at a top end of the washing machine appliance.17. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the hose of thespray hose assembly is a flexible hose.
 18. The washing machineappliance of claim 11, further comprising a supply line fluidlyconnecting the water source to the spout, wherein the spray hoseassembly is fluidly connected to the supply line using a three-wayvalve.
 19. The washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein thethree-way valve is positioned outside the cabinet.
 20. The washingmachine appliance of claim 18, wherein the three-way valve is positionedwithin the cabinet.